Nine names lifestyle chief

Exec will o'see development in new role

SYDNEY — Nine Network deputy CEO David Gyngell has tapped ex-Seven Network infotainment topper Stuart Clark for a new role overseeing development for Nine’s lifestyle division.

Clark is a former sports producer, including working three Olympic Games. He also steered personality gardening show “Burke’s Backyard” and was an exec producer at Edgley Intl.’s Front Lawn Prods.

This is the first exec shuffle after Nine CEO Ian Johnson returned to run Nine Melbourne last week after just nine months at the Sydney HQ.

Sharing duties

Johnson’s responsibilities are now shared by John Alexander, media CEO for parent company Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd., and Gyngell, PBL majority shareholder Kerry Packer’s godson and son of former Nine boss David Gyngell.

A replacement has not yet been found for film and TV topper Hugh Marks, who ankled in August.

After a shaky 2001, Nine has re-confirmed its position as Australia’s leading web. But the weak ad market has forced cost cuts in all the network’s departments.